It's Baby Shower time! The lovely ladies over at 5 Minutes For Mom are at it again with their fun games and awesome prizes. I'm writing my own Party Post to join in the fun and help Susan count down the days until Sophia's arrival. One party guest made her debut early -- Olivia was born September 28th!

For my first trick.. err, I mean, party game ;) -- I'm accepting the challenge to show my most sympathy-inspiring delivery photo. This one is mine, hands down. This photo shows the culmination of 11 hours of natural labor at home and 15 or so incredible minutes of pushing. I get teary every time I look at this photo and remember the raw emotion and power I felt here. I kept saying over and over, "I did it! I did it!" A truly amazing moment.



The next challenge is to show a pregnant belly photo. That one's easy for me. I took pictures of my belly all the time. This particular one is the very last photo I took at 39 and a half weeks. Beckett was a slug and came moseying on out a little under two weeks later, at 41 weeks 1 day. This picture shows the incredible way I carried both of my boys -- straight out front. My belly earned the nickname "Torpedo" from quite a few people.



Next, Susan wants us to tell our birth story. Again, easy for me! I posted it awhile back and you can read it here. Beckett was born at home and his birth was the most profound experience of my life. Pure perfection. I relive that day every time I read the story and it never gets old for me.

I was just checking out some of the prizes being given away, and I want everything! Such a great showing of mom entrepreneurs. Classy Mommy is giving away a GR8X Diaper Bag -- how fun and funky is that?? And this is the first time I've ever seen a Cushie Pushie -- it's a little pillow designed to help support a nursing mom's breast, so she has a free hand while feeding. Very cool! And Ju Ju Beane Boutique has absolutely adorable clothing and is giving away a $20 gift certificate. I'm drooling!

Susan and Janice also asked us to talk about our favorite baby names. I already used mine up on the kids I do have (Sawyer and Beckett), but I will share that if Beckett had been a girl, the two names in the running were Linden Aurora and Ellia Annelise. Maybe I'll still get to use them on a pet some day. ;)

Hmm, lets see. Picture time again. Here is a picture of me as a baby, and the boys as newborns! I see a little of myself in both of them. And seeing them side by side, I really don't think they look much alike at all!



I have to cut my party short now to get some sleepy boys down for naps, but feel free to share your pictures and stories in the comments. Or visit 5 Minutes for Mom and start your own Party Post. Warm congrats to Janice on the birth of her daughter and best wishes to Susan on her impending birth! Thanks for the chance at some great prizes, ladies!